During the 5th century, the Anglo-Saxons invaded England, leading to the rise of four major kingdoms: Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia. Initially pagan, the Anglo-Saxons largely converted to Christianity, often for political reasons such as gaining legitimacy or due to pressure from more powerful rulers. However, Penda, the King of Mercia, resisted this change.

Known as the last great pagan warrior-king among the Anglo-Saxons, Penda's demise marked the end of paganism as a political and religious force in England, as Christianity spread and overshadowed the traditional pagan customs and beliefs. This episode delves into the story of Penda, a formidable king who forged Mercia into a dominant kingdom, shaping England’s political landscape for centuries. He remained steadfast in his pagan beliefs until his death, being the last Anglo-Saxon king to die a pagan.

Timeline:

• 00:00: Introduction to the Last English Pagan Warrior King
• 01:42: Ancestry & Early Life
• 05:08: Penda Kills King Edwin, the Bretwalda
• 08:22: Penda the Warlord
• 10:35: Penda's Pagan Beliefs
• 13:42: The Battle of Maserfield
• 16:43: Dominating Other Anglo-Saxon Kings
• 20:34: The Death of the Last Pagan King of England
• 24:45: Legacy

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar